Reusable shipping container



y 1961 J; L. RADOS 2,982,395

REUSABLE SHIPPING CUNTAINER Filed Dec. a, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

'dA/N Z. B4005 flrraeNEys.

May 2, 1961 Fil ed Dec. 8, 1958 J. L. RADOS 2,982,395

REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER 8 Sheets-Sheet. 3

Iqlcgo INVENTOR.

troy/v L. B0005 y 1961 J. RADOS 2,982,395

REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 8, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

troy/v L. B2005 y 1961 .l L. RADOS 2,982,395

REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER Filed Dec. 8, 1958 8 Sheets-S heet 5 JZ i IN V EN TOR.

(fo /1v l B9005 J. L. RADOS REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER May 2, 1961 Filed Dec. 8, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. Tfomv L. B4005 flrraewgys.

May 2, 1961 J. L. RADOS REUSABLE SHIPPING CONTAINER 8 Sheets-Sheet. '7

, Filed Dec. 8, 1958 INV EN TOR. (To /v L. B9

41AM ad/M! flrraeA/sxs.

outside diameter of which is substantially the same as the outside diameter of edge flange 16 of center section 10.

Elastic rings 20 are designed to fit snugly over the joinder of flange with flange 17, and over the joinder of flange 16 with flange 18, when the end sections 11 and 12 are joined to the center section 10 in the extended position shown in Figure 2, and V-bands 21, having takeup clamps 22, are firmly clamped over the elastic rings and said joined flanges to suspend and hold end sections 11 and 12 in extended position in relation to center section 10, and'to provide air-tight, weatherproof, and element-proof joinders'between the sections of the container.

The end sections 11 and 12 are also designed to be reversed from the position shown in Figure 2, and to be inserted into the center section 10, as shown in silhouette in Figure 3, when the containerlhas had its cargo unloaded therefrom and is being returned for reloading and reshipment. Consequently, the outside diameter of the end sections 11 and 12 is such that when reversed and inserted into the center section 10, said end sections, held in position in the center section 10 by elastic rings 20 and V-bands 21, will be clear of the'inside surface of the center section 10 and also of a cradle 110, hereinafter described, mounted therein. Furthermore, the over-all length of each of the end sections 11 and 12 will be slightly less than one-half of the over-all length of center section 10, so that when in the inverted position mentioned herein, said end sections 11 and '12 will be just clear'of each other and properly nested in the center section 10.

For ease in handling, end sections 11 and 12 may be equipped on opposite sides of each such end section with handles such as 25.

' Center section 10 has mounted on the outside surface thereof a series of reinforcing rings or T-bars 30. It has been found practical to use four T-bars for each container, spaced as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, but it will be understood that a greater or less number of said bars may be used and spaced as desired. T-bars are prosided with spurs 31 whichrest upon skids 32 Skids 32 are cross-braced by any suitable means, such as cross-frames 32a, spanning ,the'distance between the skids, and are providedwith box channels 33, designed to receive the tines of any standard fork lift, not shown in the drawings. If desired, skids 32 may also be provided with eyes or U-bolts 34 for attaching, cargo handling cable, etc. .A buffer or bumper bar 35 'mayalso be provided on either side of center section 10, preferably mounted on two or more of the T-bars 30,'and positioned to act asfa buffer or bumper when the containeris being handled by'a' fork lift. 4

Mounted on the outside upper'lateral surface of the center section!!! are four boxes 40, having flat surfaces 41. T he flat surfaces 41 of all four boxes are aligned in a plane just slightly above the horizontal planejof .the outside diameters of the flanges 15,16, 17, 18,and when two or more container-sate stacked, asshown in'Figure 4, the aligned fiat surfaces 41 ofthe lower. container 10 act as a seat or skid rest for; the skids 32 ofnext stacked .container'10a. I 1

Each, box has projecting upwardly therefrom a spur 42 designed to 'fit into a corresponding recess 43 in the skid 32 of a container to. be stacked ,thereomthus to prevent sliding of stacked containers .relative toeach other,

' Thesides of fsaid boxes .40 are'iprovidedalso with laterally projecting .SPllT 44, liavingleye s 45 .des'igned to. receive cargo handling lines or cables 46, shownin Figure 2. 1 a

:One orlmore-of the boxes,40. mayl,be equippedwith a tubej4 7j extending laterally therein tlirough a; port .48, said tube being designed, to'h ld shipping docpmepts,, instruca nd-p f -fi ti'ommanuals',f'oroth'er papers or docum the tube 47 may be mounted in a box 40 by means of screw threads at the flanged end 49 thereof and complementary screw threads in the port 48.

Center section 10 has an opening 50 disposed toward the end thereof, to which end section 12 is to be mounted. As shown in detail in Figure 20, there is mounted in said opening 50 an air valve 51 and a pneumatic tire valve assembly 51a of standard construction. Said air valve 51 is secured in the opening 50 by a thread 52 which is in contact with a complementary thread 53 in a plug 54 having a flange 55, and mounted in the opening 50 by a wellknown means, such as thread 56 and locking nuts 57 and 58, so as to make an air-tight connection. By use of means such as nut 59 and gasket 59a, the connection between air valve 51 and plug 54 is air-tight when valve 51 is firmly seated. When valve 51 is loosened, air ports 60 open into the outside atmosphere and air pressure inside the sealed container is released. Pneumatic tire valve assembly 51a is mounted in a threaded opening in nut 59 and has access to the open chamber 60a of air valve 51 and hence to the interior of the container. Air may be introduced into the container by means of said valve assembly 51a, and may be released therefrom by said valve assembly 51a, as well as by loosening valve 51, as hereinabove described.

It will be seen that if the air pressure inside the container is substantial, it would be dangerous to loosen clamp 22 on the front end section 12 in an endeavor to remove V-bands' 21 and elastic rings 20 so as to lift front end section 12 from the container and take out the contents of the container at destination without first exhausting the air pressure in the container, because the sudden escape of air pressure around flange 18 might well cause end section 12 to be explosively ejected. In view of its substantial bulk, this could well be disastrously dangerous to persons working on the container to remove its contents.

To prevent such an occurrence said clamp 22 is connected to air release valve 51 by a bracket 66, clamped between air release valve 51 and plug 54 when air release valve 51 is in closed position, and by a short length of chain arranged so that the'clamp 22 cannot be removed to permit removal of front end section 12 unless and until valve 51 is opened sufiiciently to give play to chain 65 anditoallow bracket 66 to be removed from its clampedpositionbetween valve 51 and plug 54. Thus air pressurewithin the container must be exhausted before front end section 12 can be removed from the container.

Inside the center section 10 of the container, and

mountd longitudinally on opposite sides thereof and paral-,

lel to each other are rails 70, adapted to receive and accommodate rollers 71 which aremounted on a cradle 110, hereinafter described. Said rails extend the entire length of thecenter section 10. Detailed drawings showing saidrails 70 and fittings used in connection therewithare'shown in Figures 1l-l4 inclusive.

' The' said rails 70 may be connected to the inside surface ofth'e center section 10 of the container by any 1 trip-bars77 and 78 are loosely disposed in said openings.

76 and project therethrough. Trip-bars 78 have a lower extension "80 which serves as ahand gripw When the cradlei'11-0fis being loaded int o center section 1 0, rollers ,71,; sequence; pass over "'the .trip -barsf78;pivoting them Jdownward-ly, afid 'tlleir further" p'rbgr' .i a l;

f -iin pede by Pr to carrya desicca Cradle,.110=i s formed of semicircular configii a on w paralleldongitudinalframeme bers 11 1- er l 2., a n s thediata assesses the'ir correlationwith the trip-bars 78=by way of-the con-i' nectingzrobs.:79,' arepivoted upwardly when the trip-bars 78 =are depressed. To permit the further passage of the rollers 71 thus impeded, the trip-bars 77are pivoted downwardly by pushing inwardly on the handle 80. x

When itis desired to remove cradle 110 from the container therollers 71 are moved. along the rail 70 until, in

sequence, they pass over the trip-bars 77, pivoting said trip-bars 77 downwardly and .at the same time pivoting the trip-bars 78 upwardly, thereby blocking the rollers 71. By pulling outwardly on the handle 80, the trip-bars 78 are. then pivoted downwardly, allowing the further passage of the. rollers along the rail 70. This trip-bar construction is designed to prevent the free, overly rapid movement of the heavy cradle 110 into or out of the container.

Mounted on the rails 70 are blocks 85 designed to secure the:cradle.110 against longitudinal movement along the rails 70 Whenthe container is loaded. Details of said blocks are shown in Figures 11' and 12. Any suitable block arrangement is acceptable, but the blocks shown in: said Figures 11 and 12 are preferred. They include firm mountings for said blocks on the-rails as by bolts 86;and provide an accurate adjustment against movement by set screws 87 mounted on the blocks 85 and designed to impinge on theend of longitudinal frame members 111 of cradle 110, as at-88, shown in Figures 11 and 12. i

Blocks 85 are shown in thedrawings as mounted, on

the rails adjacent to the opening of the center facing.

the end section 12 only. If desired, silimarblocks may be provided at the opposite end of therals 70 to prevent the passageof said cradle 110 beyond the end of the rails, 70 adjacent the openingin center section 10 opposite end section 11. Mounted on the inside surface of end sections 11 and plates 90 having hollow cylinders 91 rigidly mounted thereon. Slidably mounted at the openings of center section 120 are pairs of elongate plates 93 having studs. orbolts 94 rigidly fastened on the outside edge thereof and; projecting upwardly therefrom. Said studs or bolts M are of an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of said hollow cylinders 9'1 and are designed toube loosely disposed in said hollow cylinders 91. Said studs 94 have stop nuts 95 designed to act as a seat for hollow cylinders: 91 when said studs 94 are disposed therein. The; relative positions of said plates 90, hollow c'ylinders-91, elon'gate plates 93,and studs 94 are such that when it" is desired to mount either endsection on the center section 10,.said elongate plates 93 are slidably extended and the end section to be mounted is lifted until hollow cylinders 91 are dropped over studs 94 simul- .end section, the outside circumference of saidflanges Y and 17, or 16 and 18, as the case may be, will be aligned and; ready to receive elastic rings '20 and-V-bands 21. L e The centersection' 10 0f the container may bexequipped,

with;.-one or a plurality of; perforated boxesj101l, best 6 and 7. ;S aid boxes 1.00 are designed Iirorder that said boxes 100 will u notinterfere wit the free passagegofithe cradle in' Randi out-of the container, it is: desirable :toconstruct saidgbo tes; 100 in a ratherflat configuratiqnr prefier'ably-followingthe contour, of the inside-nof th'e center section 10,;and to.

shown in Figures'S- m i he t h bp' bf he e er ec i n. fb fan suitable means; a

Upon contact between,

121an'd aligned with rails 70 of;v center section 10 are -141 so as to shorten the slack'in said straps or' webbing 140,-or to lengthen the same, by turning said drum 141, i

. in alternate directions; Such means may include a ratchet} :Whel -142 odwhich a 'drum v 141 is'securely 'mountedgthejteeth 143 of s'aidrathet- -wheel engaging a worm gear; 144. r'igidly mounted on a;shaft 145 A pair of braces members: 111 arez'rods 113;. Rollers; 71: arje-i mounted-in series-on. said longitudinal framev members 111 by; any; suitable means, such as by axles 114. Said rollers 71 are preferably disposedadjacent theends of the horizontal frame members 111, and also at a point substantially; forwardof the center of said longitudinal frame members- 111. Detachably mounted to the inside .surface of said' longitudinal frame members 111 by shock-proof mount ings 115 and disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal frame members 111 are a set of inner frame members 116. Detachablymounted to the upper side of saidj frame members 116 and spanning the distance there-. between are arch members 117. By preference, and for ease in loading, said arch members 117 are disposed with; one of'themmounted-at theend of the frame member 116 which will be first inserted into thecontainer, and the second ofv them mounted in a position between said first archmember 1-17.andthe.center of the frame members 116.

Detachably mounted to the underside of said frame members 116, disposed inwardly from the ends thereof; and spanning the distance between said frame members 116 are other arch members 118. 7

Details of the detachable mountings for the arch members 118 to the frame members 116 are'shown in Figures:

17 and 18,. which illustrate preferred forms of such bersull6.

'Pivotally mounted to frame members 116adjacent said.

open end slots 125, are open slotted washers 126, de-

signedto have the bolts 120seated in the open slot 127 thereof, and to act as a seat for wing nuts 123 when saidwing nuts123'are tightened on the threads 122.

For. convenience, the detachable mounting for aroh members 118 may be on spurs 128, mounted to the under-- side of frame members 116, and serving as a downward, projection thereof.

For'ease in manipulating the cradle 110 into and out" of the container, the frame members 116 are providedwith hand-holds 130 mounted at one end thereof.

The cradle may also be equipped withstraps or web-. hing mounted so as to span the distance between framemembers 116; At least two sets of said straps or webbin'gis indicated because the straps or webbing are intended to serve as an additional support for the cargo: loaded in cradle110, and alsoto Jserve as'an elevating means therefor. Said straps or webbing 140 are securely attached to one frame member 116, but at the-opposite side of the cradle, said straps or webbing are wound around a drum 141 rotatably mounted on the frame member 116 on that'side of the cradle, as-shown in Figures y '15 and 16. gMans are provided forrotating said (druirn'f 146 provided'for-each drum assembly,' and said braces areahg'n'fed and secured tothe fr-amemember116. The

' shaft is-rotationally disposed' inopenings l -17in saidbraces146. The shaft145 is; also provided witha handle Q 3 p 148, preferably detachable'from the" shaft 145, and or;

Y anyacceptable'coniigurationjsuch asf the detachableright ngle handleshown" Figure .15," It willbe understood" that'jariy 'fsuitable handle will be -sat isfa'cto'r'y, providing? 'f course, that it sgdetachableg aesasas in the cradle 110 and either support the cargo in shipment or elevate it upwards from the cradle after removal of arch members 117.

Rigidly mounted on the lower surface of flat plate 169 is. a hollow block 300 having a longitudinal bore 301. At the free end of said block 300 is a recessed opening 302, opening into said bore 301. The recess 302 is of smaller diameter than the bore 301. Mounted in said bore 301 is a rod 303 connected to a ring 304 which is normally seated in the recess 302. The rod 303 is biased toward the collar 168 by a spring 305, seated in said bore 301. The block 300 is spaced from collar 168, and the rod 303 projects from the block 300 through the open end of the bore 301 toward said eollar'168. Mounted on said rod 303 is a tongue 306, the outer end of which, in normal locked position, is seated in a recess 307 in collar 168 when the caster wheel 160 is in position aligned with bar 113, or in a recess 308 when caster wheel 160 is in position at an angle to bar 113. Cut in said collar 168 is groove 309 designed to slidably receive tongue 306 when tongue 306 is not in position in recess 307 or in recess 308.

The operation of said block and ring assembly on each caster wheel assembly is as follows:

When it is desired to have the caster wheel 160 in straight position, parallel to rod 113, the ring 304 is seated in the recess 302 and the tongue 306, impelled forward by the action of spring 305 on rod 303, is seated in recess 307, and the caster wheel 160 is locked in that position. If it is desired to release the locking action and permit free movement of caster wheel 160 in any direction, ring 304 is pulled out of recess 302, given a half-turn, and allowed to seat against the outer surface 310 of block 300, whereupon tongue 306 is withdrawn from recess 307 and is free to slide freely in groove 309.

If it is desired to.lock caster wheel 160 in a position at an angle to bar 113, tongue 306 is aligned with recess 308, and ring 304 is turned until it is seated in recess 302, whereupon tongue 306 will be impelled into recess 308 and caster wheel 160 will be locked in said position.

Rotationally mounted on each of the bars 113 adjacent to the ends thereof are caster wheels 160. Said wheels 160 may have pneumatic tires 161. The axle 162 of each wheel 160 is rotationally mounted by recognized means to caster frame 163. Caster frame 163 is rigidly mounted to an angle iron 164, and the combined caster frame 163 and angle iron 164 are rotationally mounted on one end of a vertical axle 165, preferably hollow, which has a thread 166 and a lock nut 167 mounted thereon at the lower extremity. thereon to act' as a seat for angle iron 164.

- Striated on angle iron 164 is a collar 168, and mounted on said collar 168 is a fiat plate169, bored at opposite sides thereof to receive threaded bolts 170. In turn, mounted on said flat plate 169 is a second plate 171, having complementary bores to .receive said threaded bolts170. Mounted on opposite ends of said threaded 7 bolts 170 externally thereof are lock nuts 172 and 173.

'{Rigidly mounted at its lower end to plate 171 is hollow vertical collar 180. Said hollow vertical collar 180 isrigidlymounted at its upper end to horizontalsl eeve 18 1, which'in turn is rotationallymounted.onbar 113.

A Horizontal sleeve 181 is secured against lateral"movement along bar 113 by ringcollars 182. I

Mounted on the sleeve 181 is flat'plate 183 which is i bored to receive pin 184;. Pin 184 has mounted on its upper end hand-wheel 185. Pin 184 is impelled toward bar 113 by springactuated means (not shown), and fits into holes (not shown) .in. bar 113, which are complementary-to the hole bored in.plate 183 and are spaced on bar 113 to allow locking of the sleeve 181fagainst.

, rotationallmovement on bar1113'either in the upright position she fin somefdetail' in Figure 8, or-in the ster. frame 163 opposite p isaer t -pedagogy.

Brake pedal 200 has at one' end thereof adjacent to pivotal mounting 201, a camming surface 202. At the opposite end of brake pedal 200 is roughed surface 203 which'serves as a firm foothold.

Camming surface 202 is of angled configuration, having a "lower surface 203, and upper surface 2031:, designed to impinge upon brake shoe 204. Mounted on said'brake pedal 200 at approximately the center thereof and extending downwardly therefrom is an extension 205 having at its lower extremity an opening 206 in which is firmly disposed one end of a cable 207.

Brake shoe 204 is pivotally mounted at its upper end to caster frame 163 and is normally impelled rearwardly and away from caster wheel by a spring 210, which is seated in a recess 211 in angle iron 164 and against which brake shoe 204 impinges.

'Brake shoe 204 has a braking surface 215 designed to hold against the outside circumference of caster wheel 160.

Brake shoe 204 has mounted thereon a roller 220, and cable 207 passes from opening 206 in extension 205 under and around said roller 220 in an upwardly direction, generally through hollow vertical axle 165 and collar-168, plate 169 and plate 171. Cable 207 then passes through an opening 221 inside of hollow vertical collar and is led by any suitable means, such as clamps 222, upwardly along the arch rings 112 and along the surface of frame members 111 to approximately the center thereof. It will be understood that said cable 207 is preferably a flexible metallic cable disposed in a protective tube 223. V

At substantially the center of said frame member 111, the end of cable 207 from one caster wheel assembly at one end of the cradle approaches the end of another cable 207 from the caster brake assembly at the other end of the cradle. For ease of mounting and adjustment, said cable ends may terminate in turnbuckles 224. Turnbuckles 224 are mountedby normal means to opposite ends of an elongate plate 225, rotationally mounted at approximately the center thereof to said frame member 111. Rigidly mounted to said elongate plate 225 at substantially the center thereof, is brake handle 2 26. V

The action of said brake mechanism is as follows: The brake shoe 204 is normally impelled away from the caster wheel 160 by the spring 210, and caster wheel 160 is normally able to turn freely on its axle 162. When it is desired to brake said caster wheel 160 in both the forward caster wheel assembly and the rearward wheel assembly, brake handle 226 is moved in either a clockwise or in a counterclockwise direction, whereon' the elongate plate 225 is turned, causing a pull to be exerted on the cables 207. The pull on cables 207 exerts a downward pull on brake pedals 200, causing camming surface 203 to impinge on brake shoe 204 and bias it toward caster wheel 160, at which point braking surface 215 impinge on caster wheel 160 and brakes it.

The same braking action can be obtained by stepping on rough surface 203 with sufiicient force to counteract the action of spring 210. V b

When it is desired to release the brake, handle 226 is returned to its normal vertical position, whereupon elongate plate 225 is in position approximately parallel to friamemember 111, and the pull tension on cables 207 'is relieved. At the same time foot pedals 200 are permitted to rotate clockwise on pivots 201 to free cam- 'mi ng surface 203 from its abutment with brake shoe 204 and allow-spring 210 to bias brake shoe 204 clear of caster wheel 160, until camming surface 203a comes in contact with brake shoe 204, whereupon further movement ofbrake shoe 204 away from caster wheel 160 is arrested, but'caster wheel 160 is free to turn, clear of conta ct;with braking surface 215';

" 13'; may also be equipped ,withjone or more. 2 30, having' openings 231 designedlo hold toolsf and part's of thedevice; when the cradle=is "partially dis mantled, as'hereinafter described. The cradle may also beequipped with a bridle or shaft 240 mounted by anysuitablemeans to one'of the arch rings 112, as shown cut-away in Figure 8; a

The container is used as follows: When the container is to be loaded with the article to be shipped'therein, say a jettank, the center section 10 of'thecontainenis placed onits skids in a convenient placeonthe floor or loading dock. Therear end section 11' is then alignedwith the assesse rear end ofcenter section 10 and] the pair of elongate plates 93 are moved outwardly from 'the-center"section' 10 to their fullextent. a I

The rear end section 11 is then lifted until the hollow cylinders 91 onthe rear end section 11 are 'in position directly over the studs 94 on the elongate plates 93 of center section 10. The rear end section 11 is then lowered-sothat the studs 94 aredisposedfinthehollow cylinders 91- and the hollow cylinders 91 areseated on the stop nuts 95. The rear end section 11,so suspended,

' is then moved forward until flange 1'7fof rear end sec tion 11' abuts against flange 15 ofcenter section '10, at which point thebutsidecircumferences of flange 17 and flange 15 are in substantial'alignment' The'joinder of the twoflanges17 and 15 is then-coveredaby an-elastie band-20, and a V-band 21, withitsclamp 22, is disposed over said elastic band and adjusted and tightene'd to form an airtight fit. V f I i Cradle: 110' is then-loaded with the 'j'et'tankzto be shipped. To accomplish this the caster wheelsl160' of cradle110 are lowered-and thebrake mechanism of'cradle 1'10" is set to hold the caster wheels 160 against" move-- 'witli center sec'tion 10 of the -container"and-in turn ele vated,'mounted-on-studs 94, and pushed forward until the flange 18 of the front end section12 abuts against flange 16 of center section 10, whereupon an elastic band. 20 is placed about the joinder of the flanges, and the V-band 21 and its clamp '22 are placed around the elastic band 20 and tightened to form an airproof fit, in the manner of the joinder of the rear end section 11 to the center section 10, heretoforedescribed.

The loaded container is then ready for shipment. If desired, air under pressure may be injected into the container by means of the-valve'51a. As above stated, for the sake of safety, the air valve assembly is connected to the clamp 22 of the V-band 21 which encircles'the joinder of the front end section 12 with center section 10, in order to prevent the inadvertent removal of the front end section 12 before the air under pressure in the container is released, as hereinabove described.

- The loaded container is then moved by-lift, truck or crane toa position for storage orshipment. If his to be stacked on another loaded container, it is lifted above the other container until the spurs 42 of the other conlevel ground, a floor or loading dock and air underment. The upper arches 117 are not mounted, butthe inner'frame members ,1-'1*6a'nd' the lower arches 118,

rigidly rnounted thereon; are placed in the cradle, and,

theshock-proof mountings 115 areadjusted and tight ene d'. Ample slack is put into the straps or lengths of webbing 140. The jet tank is then placed in the cradle, with the longitudinal center of the tank at substantially the longitudinal center of the cradle 110 The upper arches: 117 are then mounted on and fastenedto the; inner frame members 116, and then the straps or lengths of webbing 140 areadjusted-toform additional seats" for the jet tank and to serve as additional shock protection, c

Cradle 110, so loaded, is .then aligned with the open "end ofcenter section 10 of the container, the brakes 2 having been released, and the cradle is placed in position for mountingon: tracks 70' of center section 10 of the container. The cradle is moved toward the container 'until the first pair of rollers 71 are in the tracks 701 The cradle isthen moved into 'cente'r'section 10 of' th'econtainer untiljthe trip mechanism combination of: elements 76'-80 prevents further forward progress.

"At this point thefirstpair 'ofcaste'r wheels '160 are turned inwardly and elevated so asto'l permit further free" tion.10, riding on the first pair ofcaster wheels 160, but

tainer are in line with the recesses 43 in the skid 32 of this container, and then lowered into position withthe spurs 42 disposedin the recesses 43.

On arrival at destination, the container is placed on pressure in the container is releasedin the manner hereinabove' described, the clamp 22 at the joinder of the front end, section 12 with the center section 10 is loosened, and the V-band 21 and elastic band 20 are removed from flanges 16 and 18, and the front end section 12'is then pulled away from center section 10, and liftedoff the studs 94. The front end section 12 is then moved. aside.

7 The forward stops '85 are then removed, from the tracks 70, and cradle 110 is grasped by handholds 130.

The cradle 110 is then pulled forward in a direction to remove it from the center section 10 until the first pair of rollers 71 contact the trip assembly. At this'point the forward pair of caster wheels 160 are dropped into vertical position, the, trip mechanism is released, and V cradle 110 is pulled further away from the center secstillresting on rollers 71 on tracks 70. When the last pair of rollers 71 meet the trip mechanism, the other pair I of. cas er wheels 160 are dropped into vertical position.

The trip mechanism is then released and cradle llll is fully removed from the center section 10.

The loaded cradle may then be moved into position under an aircraft which is to be loaded with the jet tank cargo which is resting in the cradle. For ease in handling the upper arches 11 7 are removed from the frame members 116, and, if desired, the drums 141ar'e turned by'ineans of thehandles 148 and related mechanisms to tauten .thefstraps orwebbing 140, and lift the jet passageofjthe cradle. 110 into the fcenterlsection; 10f of the' containerfif The trip bars 77 are thenreleased and (the container is moved further into'the centerisection ilj'of "the container, the second pair: of rollers'71, mount fedjn approximately. the ,cer1t'er ofthe cradle 110,.being,

plajcedin the tracks 70, an after releaseiof the trip mechanism described above, thejprog'ress of the cradle 110 into the center section 10 is c'ontinueduntil thetrip mechaiiism is again struckbythe last pairfof; rollers'71.

fl-Thefsecond pair'ot caster wheels 160 fis"then in turn turned inwardly and 'elevated." The trip mechanism havf; i'ng'jthen been releaSedQ-thecradlef110isgfurther inserted into center section'10'of the container tintilits'p q r'ess is impeded b ythe stops at the" rear en'd'offthe tracks A 'position v inwardly parallel to" frame members 111 by tank 'into better position for handling and lifting into ,the aircraft. e

. Upon removal'of the jet tank cargo from the cradle- 110, the frame members 1'16 are' removed from their loosening the shock mountings 115, antl are then placed in positionabove and. stillparallel to frame members tion ."10 of the container he container;soridisinantlea illfnot',interfere= 11 is aligned with the forward open end of center section 10, and inserted therein in the same manner as it was inserted when loaded. The stops 85 are again placed in position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the cradle along the tracks 70.

The center section of the container is then in condition to receive the inverted end sections 11 and 12, and the said end sections are reversed and inserted into center section 10 in the telescoped position shown in Figure 3.

The elastic bands and the V-bands 21, with their clamps 22, are then placed in position around the reversed joinder of the flange 16 with the flange 18, and the flange 15 with the flange 17, and tightened to suspend the end sections in the positions shown in said Figure 3. If desired, the open part of the end sections 11 and 12 may be covered with a suitable cover, a plastic cover being suggested for that purpose, but the use of such covers is optional and not shown in the drawings.

The container is then in condition for reshipment to a source of manufacture of jet tanks or other container cargo, and for reuse as a cargo container.

While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the'scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded-the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section; cup-shaped end sections removably. mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; means for reversing theextended position of said end sections and inserting each end section in said center section when the center section is empty of cargo; a cargo cradle mounted in said center section so as to be slidably removable therefrom; and wheels on said cradle mounted so as to'swing into retracted position when the cradle is mounted insaidv center section, and so as to swing into carrying position when-the cradle is removed from said center section.

2. A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; a cargo cradle mountedin said center section so as to be slidably removable there-v from; outwardly extended flanges at the open ends of said center section; an outwardly extended flange at the. open end of each said end section having an external surface formed to match the external surface. of one of the flanges on said center section; removable means for clamping said flanges together; and means 'for'reversing the extended position of each of said end s'ectio'ns and inserting each of them in said center section comprising an internal surface on the flange of each said end section, formed to match the external surface of one of the flanges on said center section; andoremov'able means for clamping said flanges together- I p 3. A reusable shippingcontaine'r'as defined in,' clai m 2,- wherein said means for clamping flanges together and said means for reversing the position of said end sections and inserting each of them in'said center sectiori' com-. prise: elastic rings covering" and binding; matched and. mated flanges; V-bands removably mounted on saidelastic rings; and securing clamps mounted on said l.-bands.v A reusable shipping container as defined-in 'claim3, including wheels on said cradle mounted so as to swinginto retracted position when the cradle isihountedifi, said center section, and so as to. swing into carrying". position-[when the c radle is removed from said center section; and releasable brakes operatively connecte dgtb sa d ss s r L? 4 5 A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 4, including locking means mounted on said cradle so as to lock said wheels'in predetermined positions.

*6. A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; means for reversing the extended position of said end sections and inserting each end section in said center section when the center section is empty of cargo; a supporting skid frame mounted on said center section so as to seat said center section in a horizontal resting position; and a cargo cradle mounted in said center section so as to be slidably removable therefrom.

7; A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 6', including slotted openings in said skid frame for receiving the tines of a fork lift truck.

8. A'reusable shipping container as defined in claim 6, including U -bolts mounted on said skid frame for receiving cargo hoisting cables.

9. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 6, including open-end recesses in the bottom of said skid frame disposed so as to receive extending spurs of a second container on which said first container is stacked.

, 10. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 6, including skid rests positioned on the top of said center section so as to receive a supporting skid frame of a second container stacked upon said first container.

11. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 10, includingupwardly extending spurs mounted on said skid tests, and adapted to be disposed in openings in the undersnrface of the supporting skid frame of said second container.

12. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 10, including eyes mounted on said skid rests for receiving cargo hoisting cables.

13. A reusable shipping container comprising: an open ended center section; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; means for reversing the extended position of said end sections and inserting each end section in said center section when the center section is empty of cargo; a cargo cradle mounted in tion isempty offcargo; parallel rails inountedon the inner side walls of said center section and extending longitudinally therein; and a cargo cradlehaving rollers mounted on saidrails so as to be slidab ly removable from said cen'ter section.

15 A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 1 4,-including releasable stopsmounted on said rails so railsl 7 Li. l6..A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section;.cup-shaped end sections'rernovably mounted in exterided position on' opposite ends of said open-ended center section; means for reversing the,ex-'

tended-position of said end sections and inserting each endasection in 'said center section when the center section'is empty of cargo; an air valve mounted in one end section for'introducing air under. pressure into and dismounted in saidtcenter s movable therefrom. I

1.17.. A reusable shipping ection so as to beslidably'relfij including releasable, locking means for .said end secesa n s ssatrtfsesfis rs eis s 9 as to arr'est the free movement of said rollers on-said chargingr'air 'fro'm the container; and a cargo cradle container as defined in claimassigns tion is empty of cargo; and a cargo cradle mounted in said center section so as to be slidably removable therefrom and having a frame of parallel laterallongitudinal frame members, downwardly curving arcuate members spanning the distance between said lateral frame members andrigidly mounted thereto, upwardly curving arcuate members also spanning the distance between said lateral frame members and detachably mounted thereto, parallel lateral longitudinal bar members and wheels mounted on said bar members so as to swing into retracted position when the cradle is mounted in said center section, and so as to swing into carrying position when the cradle is removed from said center section.

19. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 18, including shock-proof mountings disposed between said parallel lateral longitudinal frame members.

.20. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 18, including tool-holding brackets mounted on said bar members.

21. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 18, including hand-holds mounted at one end of said cradle. p

22. A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; means for aligning said end sections for mounting on said center section comprising pairs of elongate plates, the members of each pair being slidably mounted on opposite sides of said center section adjacent an open end thereof, a stud mounted on each of said plates and extending upwardly therefrom, and hollow cylinders formed to overlie said studs and mounted on said end sections adjacent the open ends thereof in position opposite related spurs when said end sections are placed in position for mounted joinder with said center section; means for reversing the extended position of said end sections and inserting each end section in said center section when the center section is empty of cargo; and a cargo cradle mounted in said center section so as to be slidably removable therefrom.

23. A reusable shipping container comprising: an openended center section; a desiccant holder mounted on the inside wall of said center section; a tube paper container mounted externally on said center section; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; carrying handles mounted on said end sections; means for reversing'the extended position of said end sections and inserting each end section in said center section when the center section is empty of cargo; and a cargo cradle mounted in said center section so as to be slidably removable therefrom.

24. A reusable shipping container comprising: an open-ended center section; outwardly extended flanges at the open ends of said center section; parallel rails mounted on the inner side walls of said center section and extendinglongitudinally therein; cup-shaped end sections removably mounted in extended position on opposite ends of said open-ended center section; outwardly extended flanges at the open ends of said end sections, each having an external surface formed to match the external surface of one of said flanges on said center section when said end section is in extended position, and having an internal surface formed to match the said external surface of said center section flange when said end section is reversed and inserted in said center section; elastic rings covering and binding matched and mated flanges; V-bands removably mounted on said elastic rings; securing clamps mounted on said V-bands; and a cargo cradle having rollers mounted on said rails so as to be slidably removable from said center section.

25. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 24, including wheels on said cradle mounted so as to swing into retracted position when the cradle is mounted in said center section, and so as to swing into carrying position when the cradle is removed from said center section. v

26. A reusable shipping container as defined in claim 25, wherein said cargo cradle comprises a frame of parallel lateral longitudinal frame members, downwardly curving arcuate members spanning the distance between said lateral frame members and rigidly mounted thereto, upwardly curving arcuate members also spanning the distance between said lateral frame members and detachably mounted thereto, andparallel lateral longitudinal bar members on which said wheels are mounted.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,300,259, Kueppers Oct. 27, 1942 2,314,491 Greenberg Mar. 23, 1943 2,594,586 Ries Apr. 29, 1952 2,674,371 Blackington Apr. 6, 1954 2,685,964 Brown Aug. 10, 1954 2,700,458 Brown Jan. 25, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 888,073 Germany Aug. 31, 1953 OTHER REFERENCES Dragerwerk German application 1,014,850 (kl6la 29/35), published Aug. 29, 19.57 (1 sht. dwg. and 2 pgs. spec.), 206-1. 

